Eleven years together and six years into marriage, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan have built a life filled with love, music, and shared milestones. Admittedly, one question they often get is whether having a baby is part of their plans anytime soon.
In an episode of "Gandang Gabi Vice," when asked how they feel about the question, KZ revealed that between the two of them, TJ is more ready for the baby chapter. That's why she appreciates that, despite his yearning to have kids, TJ never treats his readiness as a deadline and instead respects that she has her own timeline.
KZ isn't closing the door on motherhood. It's just that she wants to give herself enough time to grow as a person and an artist. “May mga gusto pa akong gawing bagay sa career ko. May mga gusto pa akong i-build sa sarili ko as a person, as a woman. I want to make sure that I'm not a baby taking care of a baby,” she said. “I owe that to my child na alam kong you will never be ready sa pagiging magulang but I also think it's your responsibility to at least try to be ready.”
She also pointed out that being financially capable doesn’t automatically mean you’re ready to raise a child, as many people assume. KZ and TJ see parenthood as a full-on lifestyle responsibility that requires emotional readiness, too, more than just financial support.
Besides, KZ is certain that she doesn’t want motherhood to happen just because society says it’s the next step. "Ayaw ko na mag-aanak lang ako just because I was pressured into becoming a mom. Ayaw ko lang maging nanay kasi kailangan mo ng mag-aalaga kapag tumanda," she shared, adding that she's been honest with her husband about it, which was difficult for her as well.
From TJ’s point of view, having a child must be a mutual choice. “Hindi pwedeng decision ko lang,” he opened up. “Kasi dalawa kaming [magiging] parents, eh. So pag sinabi niya hindi siya ready, so be it.” And while he would love to become a dad someday, he doesn’t see their marriage as incomplete without a child because he and KZ are already a family, “Sapat na sa akin 'yun.”
“Kung magkaka-baby kami, that's a blessing. But kung kaming dalawa lang, I'm very much happy with my life right now with my wife,” TJ said sincerely.
Watch the full "Gandang Gabi Vice" episode with KZ and TJ for free on iWant (for Philippines-based users only).